Chapter 12: Stirring Up Chaos
Chen Xue Wen lay hidden in a patch of wild grass, recovering his strength while contemplating his revenge. The most crucial step in avenging himself was uncovering the mastermind behind his framing. To do that, he needed to find Wu Li Hong and force her to reveal the culprit’s identity.
However, his identity was already exposed. Wu Li Hong would surely be on high alert, making it difficult to get close to her. On top of that, the Peaceful City Law Enforcement Squad was likely scouring the city for him. If he showed his face recklessly, he’d be captured in no time, and all would be lost.
Frustration gnawed at him as he struggled to devise a plan. Eventually, he pulled himself from the grass and walked to the nearby river, plunging his head into the freezing water to clear his mind. The icy sting sent a shudder through his body, but he remained submerged, holding his breath as he focused on his predicament.
Memories of his desperate fight with Old Du in the water flashed through his mind. Then, an idea struck him. He lifted his head from the river, gasping for air, and muttered, “If that old fox Du were in my shoes, what would he do?”
During his time in prison, Old Du had taught him various strategies—some bordering on devious. One phrase that had once saved his life came to mind: “When something seems off, there’s always a hidden scheme.” Old Du may have been a cunning manipulator, but his strategies were undeniably effective.
Chen Xue Wen sat in the dirt, reflecting on the lessons he’d learned. Old Du always emphasized the importance of considering a situation from multiple angles—one’s own, the opponent’s, and a third-party observer’s perspective.
Up until now, Chen Xue Wen had only been thinking about how to bypass security and capture Wu Li Hong. He had never stopped to consider what she might do in this situation.
If he were in her position—having framed someone who then broke out of prison, hellbent on revenge—he would undoubtedly be terrified. And a terrified person seeks the safest refuge possible.
For Wu Li Hong, He Fei’s Internet Cafe was the safest place. It was her boyfriend’s territory, guarded by a dozen of He Fei’s men, and bustling with nearly a hundred patrons. No sane person would attempt an attack in such a crowded place. More importantly, since Chen Xue Wen had already been there before, it was unlikely he would risk returning—at least, that’s what Wu Li Hong would assume.
If Wu Li Hong still felt safe hiding there, the question remained: how could he lure her out?
Chen Xue Wen frowned, deep in thought. Then, he recalled his prison break. Escaping had seemed impossible under the watchful eyes of the guards, but Old Du had orchestrated a chaotic distraction, allowing them to slip away unnoticed. Perhaps a well-executed disturbance could provide an opportunity to snatch Wu Li Hong away.
Excitement surged through him as he refined his strategy for the next hour. For the first time in a while, hope flickered within him. If his plan worked, his revenge was within reach.
He remained hidden in the grassy patch for another two hours, waiting for dusk to settle. As darkness fell over Peaceful City, he moved toward a nearby village. Spotting a clothesline outside a house, he discreetly swiped a set of garments and changed into them.
Disguised, he entered the city through a secluded path. Patrol cars roamed the streets in greater numbers than usual—clear evidence that the Law Enforcement Squad was still hunting him.
Instead of heading directly to He Fei’s Internet Cafe, he first visited a barbershop, pretending to get a wash while secretly collecting stray hair clippings. With these, he fashioned a fake beard, which, though crude, would suffice in the dim evening light. Topping it off with a cap that covered his ears, he now resembled an older man—completely different from the young fugitive everyone was searching for.
His disguise worked. As he strolled through the streets, Law Enforcement Squad members barely gave him a second glance.
Arriving near He Fei’s Internet Cafe, he first scouted the area. Adjusting his collar, he casually walked inside.
No one paid him any attention. Gamers were engrossed in their screens, the clicking of keyboards and mouse buttons filling the air.
Glancing toward He Fei’s private booth, he spotted Wu Li Hong sitting inside with He Fei. Her expression was tense—clearly, she was still shaken. But that only meant she hadn’t left. She still believed she was safe here.
Chen Xue Wen stepped out of the cafe and into a secluded alley. Pulling out Zhao Dong’s Personal Handy-phone, he dialed an old contact—the strict disciplinary director from his former high school.
After a few rings, a familiar voice answered, “Hello?”
Chen Xue Wen deepened his voice. “Director Wang?”
“Yes, this is him. Who’s speaking?”
“What? You don’t recognize my voice?” Chen Xue Wen snapped. “Remember what I told you last time at the department meeting?”
There was a brief pause before Director Wang stammered, “H-Hou… Chief Hou?”
Chen Xue Wen smirked. “You got it.”
“Oh! My apologies, Chief Hou! I—I wasn’t paying attention. What can I do for you?”
Chen Xue Wen barked, “Do you even know what’s going on? That underground internet cafe in New Street—a wanted murderer has been spotted there.”
Director Wang hesitated. “Uh… I did hear something about that. But, sir, isn’t that a law enforcement matter?”
“Are you serious?!” Chen Xue Wen growled. “Do you know how many of your students are skipping class to go there? If something happens to them, are you ready to take responsibility?”
Panic crept into Director Wang’s voice. “W-Wait, what?! Chief Hou, I—I didn’t realize—! Don’t worry! I’ll round up a team and bring those kids back immediately!”
Chen Xue Wen hung up and repeated the same deception on several other school discipline directors, stirring them into action.
Less than twenty minutes later, groups of disciplinary officers and teachers stormed toward He Fei’s Internet Cafe, determined to drag their students out.
Watching from the shadows, Chen Xue Wen slipped into the chaotic crowd. He knew that once the internet cafe erupted into turmoil, his moment to strike would come!
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation